New tool to boost Parkinson’s research

A new resource from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) has been created to increase participation levels in clinical trials.

The Parkinson’s Clinical Trial Companionwas developed with funding from biotech and pharma members of MJFF’s Parkinson’s Disease Education Consortium. It is hoped the tool will support efforts to boost the number taking part in clinical trials, as they are often delayed due to a lack of volunteers.

For patients and families, it aims to offer information on the ‘power’ of participation, and for practitioners, it is a guide on how to ‘recruit and retain volunteers’.

“Patient participation in research is key to driving scientific breakthroughs and cures. Yet clinical trials routinely encounter roadblocks that slow progress, including a chronic shortage of volunteers,” explained MJFF CEO Todd Sherer, PhD. “We believe it is our obligation to foster partnerships among patients, families and researchers to bring more people with the disease into Parkinson’s clinical trials by educating potential study participants and supporting trial teams’ recruitment efforts.”

Designed to be a truly international resource, it will have translations to be offered in French, German, Spanish and Italian.